On September 29, the European Commission launched the European Raw Materials Alliance. The announcement follows the publication of the Action Plan on Critical Raw Materials, a far-reaching strategy that aims to reduce Europe's dependence on foreign sourcing of rare earths and other crucial raw materials especially for industry technology and renewable energy.
The Alliance - which is managed by EIT RawMaterials, the world’s largest knowledge and innovation community in the raw materials sector. - is based on a community of over 150 stakeholders from every industrial sector. Its establishment is a recognition of the importance of the supply chain of raw materials, especially in the context of the new Green Deal. In addition to rapidly rising demand driven by electric vehicles and energy storage, demand for rare earths critical for products like wind turbines could increase ten-fold by 2050. And Europe needs to increase the resilience of its production chains.

Raw Materials for the Green and Digital Transition

“Our strategic foresight shows clearly that the demand for critical raw materials is only going to rise, especially given the ongoing transition towards a green and digital economy. The pandemic has also highlighted the criticality of raw materials for our recovery. To secure a sustainable supply of raw materials we need to join forces across Europe”, said Maroš Šefčovič, Vice President of the European Commission.
“The European Raw Materials Alliance is an important step in strengthening the industrial ecosystems that depend on raw materials. - said Thierry Breton, Commissioner for Internal Market - The Alliance will accelerate the green and digital transition by reinforcing value chains, diversifying supplies and involving all willing partners in implementing the necessary actions. We invite all stakeholders, civil society organisations, researchers, companies large and small, Member States and regions, and to help us achieve these objectives.”